Sunday, October 28, 2012

I had made this art piece in my early years of quilting. At that time my thoughts and intent were design oriented. I loved the whole process of creating it.

"Beyond the Rainbow" 1998 (31"x25")*

In 2006 it took on new meaning. My mother and several friends lived through the experience of
breast cancer and this piece had evolved to reflect how their diseased
breast(s) affected their lives. A cancerous breast becomes detached, or
isolated, from "normal" life. It is the main focus in the center of an
out of kilter personal universe. All that is happening to the treated
breast is reflected not only in the life of a woman but in those who
love her.

I never dreamed it would reflect my ongoing journey since that tiny shadow was found on my mammogram in early May ... that I would join the ranks, the sisterhood, of the many women who are forced to fight this battle. Nothing in any
of our lives stays the same. However, big changes happen at an
accelerated pace for us and our partners and families. As often as I've said, "I just want to get back to my life" there is no going back. I can only go forward ... making adjustments and reconciling to what is now ... and making art.

10 comments:

This is a pretty piece full of life and happy colors. You do have your life back, albeit more thankful, more sensitive to each day and richer for appreciating all that each day brings. Just a newfound appreciation for the gift of life and what all have -which is today.

Colleen said it best. I admire you so much Nellie and your strength going day by day through this journey of yours.There are many of us who know now that if we are diagnosed with this we can survive and continue on with our lives. That is a huge gift you are giving us.

Nellie, good to "hear" from you. Your life will get back to normal or as i call it the new normal. some things are better because of the journey and obviously others are not. We just have to continue to take steps forward and enjoy every day we have.

It has been an amazing and challenging journey, this quilt reflects and predicts and symbolizes so much. My thoughts are always with you and your continuing health Nellie. I made breast pockets in your honor and in my own Nellie Grace mom's, as well. You are an amazing and talented woman, quilter, survivor and friend.